Scuola del Centro Italia (XVII) - Sant'Agata martirizzata

School of Central Italy, 17th century
Martyred Saint Agatha
Oil painting on canvas
With frame, 164 x 134 cm

The work depicts Saint Agatha, a Catanian martyr from the 3rd century AD, martyred under the emperor Decius. Among the many torments inflicted on the girl, the tearing of her breasts with tongs, a terrible ordeal remembered by the classic iconography of the Saint often depicted with her cut breasts placed on a plate. From the Renaissance onwards, depictions of the bloody episode multiplied, often with unprecedented sensual implications.
However, the representation of the following episode is less frequent, when Agatha, having survived and returned to prison after an attempt at decapitation had also failed due to an earthquake, is visited by Saint Peter who heals her with a miraculous ointment.
The scene is represented here in a soft nocturnal chiaroscuro. The Saint abandons her tormented body to the care of the Saint who dominates the center of the composition. Assisting him is a little angel who holds the container of the miraculous ointment. The martyr is therefore lying with her breasts exposed and her dress slipping down one arm towards the ground. On his lap, in addition to his rolled clothes, he holds the instrument of his martyrdom, namely the tongs.
The episode is particularly treated during the seventeenth century and in particular in central Italy. Among the most famous compositions are those by Giovanni Lanfranco, born in Bologna but active in Rome.
Sant'Agata is celebrated from 3 to 5 February, Catania dedicates a great celebration to the Saint. According to tradition, upon hearing the news of the return of the Saint's relics in 1126, the bishop went out in procession through the city barefoot in his night robes, followed by the clergy, the nobles and the people.
characteristic of the festival are the silver fercolo where the relics of the Saint are placed, which in turn are placed on a chariot. In the procession on day 4 it is adorned with pink carnations (symbols of the blood and therefore of the martyrdom suffered by the saint) , while in that of day 5 it is decorated with white carnations (symbols of purity, chastity and faith in the Lord) . Tied to the vehicle are two cords of over 100 meters to which hundreds of "Devotees" cling (with the Agatino Sack, i. e. the aforementioned white tunic tightened by a cord, black cap or skullcap, handkerchief and white gloves) who until February 6 tirelessly pull the wagon. The Vara is carried in procession preceded by candelare or cannalori, today fifteen in number between the "historic" ones and those added and dedicated in recent times, each belonging to another guild of city artisans or symbolizing the offerings of certain Catania neighborhoods (" la Rena” or “villaggio Sant'Agata”) or of the association of devotees (the Circolo Sant'Agata) . Everything happens amid crowds waving white handkerchiefs and shouting Citizens. It is considered among the three main Catholic holidays worldwide in terms of attendance. In the 14th century Sant'Agata was elected co-patron of the city of Pistoia, as on 5 February 1312 peace was signed between the people of Pistoia and the Florentines. The relic of Saint Agatha, virgin and martyr, venerated in the Cathedral, was donated by Cardinal Antonio Pucci, former bishop of Pistoia.

The frame is provided free of charge, therefore it cannot be a reason for return or complaint.

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